Video News

reprinted from a Plextor press release:

PLEXTOR REDESIGNS AND UPDATES CONVERTX DIGITAL VIDEO CONVERTER

 

Zero-Footprint Dongle Replaces Device Enclosure; Support for Video Transfer to iPod and Other Mobile Players

 

FREMONT, Calif. – April 30, 2007 – Plextor®LLC, a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance digital media equipment, today announced a completely redesigned and updated version of the ConvertX Digital Video Converter. By connecting a camcorder, VCR, TV, DVD player, or virtually any other source, to a personal computer, the PX-AV200U provides a convenient and cost-effective way to capture and work with analog video.

 

The PX-AV200U is rebuilt from the ground up to deliver a host of new benefits to users. The plastic enclosure case has been replaced by a dongle with connectors for USB 2.0, S-Video In, Video In, and Audio In. It takes up no desk space at all and fits in a shirt pocket for easy portability. In addition to MPEG-1/2/4 video formats, the new ConvertX model supports iPod® and PlayStation® Portable file formats, enabling videos to be viewed anywhere on portable players. The PX-AV200U runs on the Microsoft® Windows® Vista operating system, as well as Windows XP.

 

“VCRs are quickly disappearing from American households, so lots of people are looking for a fast and convenient way to convert their precious VHS tapes to DVD discs,” said Michael Arbisi, vice president of channel sales for Plextor. “Digital video conversion services are convenient, but can get very expensive if you have a lifetime of videotapes that you want to edit and preserve on DVD. ConvertX is the only integrated hardware and software product that lets you use your own computer to capture, edit, author, and burn in one place.” 

 

The Plextor ConvertX PX-AV200U and Presto! Digital Converter bundled software capture full quality, full screen video—perfect for making DVDs, Video CDs, or converting video files to transfer to a mobile video device. Presto! VideoWorks6 puts users in the director’s chair, letting them cut out unwanted scenes and add titles, background music, transitions, voice-over narrations and special effects. Next, users can personalize their DVD with one of the professionally designed DVD menus from Presto! VideoWorks6 and customize it by adding different buttons and backgrounds.

 

Pricing and Availability

The Plextor PX-AV200U ConvertX Digital Video Converter begins shipping to distributors in North and South America in May 2007, with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $69.00 USD.  All retail packages include one-year full warranty and unlimited toll-free technical support.

Ahoy, loyal vidcast viewers! We’re out of our cram period for the Videomaker Summit at UCLA, so we’re back posting show notes. (We’ll post some show notes for past episodes once we get to that point in our catching-up process.)

Video Bits and Bytes, with Mark and Derek:

• An update on Joost, another video sharing site currently in beta.
• Kata shows their new Camera Skin at NAB.
• OnNetworks includes produced content such as OnCocktails.
• Danish company Ugrip shows a camera support system that can be tailored to a user’s individual needs.
• Apple announces a new version of Final Cut Studio and also unveils Final Cut Server.

Special segment: On Location at NAB with John Burkhart and Mark Montgomery:

• Panasonic’s new AVCHD camcorder
• Varizoom’s Media Rig
• Sony’s XDCAM EX camcorder
• Maxell’s holographic technology

Tips and Tricks with Jennifer O’Rourke: A few tips on getting better voiceovers if you don’t have (or can’t attach) an external mic.

Take 20 with John Burkhart and myself: We look at an excerpt of Critter Corner, a public-access show for a Butler, Pennsylvania animal shelter, submitted by Carmen Bianco.

Hands On with Mark Montgomery: a look at JVC’s Everio GY-HD7 high-definition hard drive-based camcorder and its companion CU-VD40US Share Station. This is the first consumer camcorder that can record a full 1920×1080.

From a Sony Press Release

SONY CREATIVE SOFTWARE LAUNCHES FREE UPDATE FOR VEGAS 7 PROFESSIONAL NLE – COMPLETE WITH SUPPORT FOR SONY’S NEW AVCHD HIGH-DEFINITION CAMCORDERS

Vegas Software and AVCHD Camcorders Deliver Efficient End-to-End Workflow Solution for Producing Quality High-Definition Content on the Desktop

MADISON, Wisc., — April 25, 2007 — Sony Creative Software, a leading provider of professional video and audio editing applications, today announced the May 1, 2007 availability of a Vegas® software update, version 7.0e. Free for all registered Vegas 7 users, this significant update further promotes Sony Creative Software’s support for HD tapeless workflows by allowing users to edit files recorded on Sony’s AVCHD™ high-definition camcorders, including three new models announced separately today: the HDR-SR5, HDR-CX7 and HDR-SR7. These cameras continue to position Sony as the leader in high-definition (HD) camcorders by offering consumers the ability to record in full 1080 HD video and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound on tapeless formats such as flash media cards and hard disk drives.

“With the surge in popularity for generating and editing high-definition content, Sony Creative Software continues to provide enhancements to our applications to meet the needs of our customer base by providing new technology solutions for editing HD faster and more efficiently than ever before,” said Dave Chaimson, vice president of marketing, Sony Creative Software. “The new Vegas 7.0e update arms users with the specific creation and production tools for Sony’s AVCHD cameras and provides new levels of support for those working with these optical and file-based models.”

Vegas 7.0e allows users of Sony AVCHD video cameras to create high-definition or standard-definition content using files recorded to their AVCHD camera’s hard disk, flash memory, or DVD. Skipping the real-time capturing stage common for tape-based projects eliminates a time-consuming step prior to editing. In addition to the models listed above, the Vegas 7.0e update also currently supports Sony’s other AVCHD camera models such as HDR-UX1, HDR-UX5, HDR-UX7 and HDR-SR1.

“Nonlinear editing software like Sony Creative Software’s Vegas has helped transform the process of crafting a moving story,” said Linda Vuolo, director of camcorders at Sony Electronics. “Now, with Sony extending this same ease of use and flexibility to both its latest update of Vegas and three new AVCHD camcorders, customers have access to a suite of Sony products aligned to deliver quality content from video capture to editing in HD that is unlike any other.”

In July of 2007, Sony will also issue an update to its consumer editing software, Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition 8, with support for the AVCHD format, which will allow users to edit files in the new AVCHD camcorder recording format based on the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for video compression and Dolby® Digital audio.

Price and Availability
The Vegas 7.0e professional video and audio editing software update is free to all registered Vegas 7 users starting on May 1, 2007. For more information on Vegas+DVD software or any of Sony Creative Software’s leading audio or video editing solutions, please visit www.sonycreativesoftware.com. For more information and pricing on Sony’s new camcorders, visit Sony Style® retail stores or visit www.sonystyle.com .

About Sony Creative Software
Sony Creative Software inspires artistic expression with its award-winning line of products for digital video, music, DVD, and audio production. As a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the company also develops applications that enhance the experience for users of Sony hardware devices. Sony Creative Software customers span the globe and include seasoned professionals in the film, television, video game, and recording industries, as well as students, educators, hobbyists, and enthusiasts. For more information, visit www.sonycreativesoftware.com .

reprinted from a Sony press release:

SONY UNVEILS THE WORLD’S SMALLEST AVCHD HIGH-DEFINITION CAMCORDER

Three New Camcorders Record Full HD 1080 Video on Memory Stick Media, Hard Disk Drives

SAN DIEGO, April 25, 2007 —Sony is bolstering its lead in the high-definition camcorder arena with the introduction of AVCHD™ technology-based models.

The new Handycam HDR-CX7 model is the world’s smallest and lightest AVCHD high-definition camcorder. It can record nearly three hours of full HD 1080 video on an 8-GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media card (LP mode). Weighing just 15 ounces with the supplied battery, it provides ultra-portability as well as a virtually crash-proof recording system, instant archiving to Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately), and effortless connection to a PC via USB for editing and back-up.

The new HDR-SR7 AVCHD high-definition camcorder can record more than 22 hours of full HD 1080 video on its built-in 60GB hard disk drive, while the HDR-SR5 model’s 40GB hard drive can hold more than 15 hours of footage (LP modes). In addition to long recording times, these two models offer compactness and Sony’s HDD Smart Protection™ system to safeguard against data loss as well as easy connection to PCs via USB.

“Camcorder users are quickly embracing non-linear camcorder formats, such as hard disk drive and flash media, because they make it easy for anyone to view and access footage quickly,” said Linda Vuolo, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. “Our models offer the added advantages of superior high-definition picture quality. With the widest range of consumer high-def models, we can satisfy the needs of virtually everyone.”

Advanced Browse and Search Functions
The new camcorders debut enhanced functions for easy browsing and searching on their high-resolution, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plusâ„¢ screens. You can swiftly find scenes via the new film roll button to view footage as a film roll index, which displays multiple scenes as thumbnails within a single movie file. Sony also integrated new face index technology so you can also access specific scenes by familiar faces.
For more advanced searching on a compatible PC, you can use the camcorders’ bundled Picture Motion Browser™ software to access the highlight index. It incorporates a search engine for voices and colors as well as faces so you can quickly get to the scenes you want to watch.

Picture Quality Like No Other
The new models incorporate Sony’s ClearVid™ CMOS sensor technology for stunning detail and clarity. Combined with the Enhanced Imaging Processor™ technology, these models deliver the advantages of high resolution, high sensitivity with low noise, and virtually smear-free pictures.
The HDR-CX7 and HDR-SR7 models utilize Sony’s 3-megapixel sensor for full HD 1080 video and 6-megapixel digital still photos. They are also equipped with Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization to produce smooth video results, as well as virtually blur-free photos. The HDR-SR5 model integrates a 2-megapixel sensor for full HD 1080 video and produces a 4-megapixel photo.

Additionally, all models benefit from Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* optics for increased contrast and true-to-life color saturation.

With Sony’s x.v.Color™ technology, based on the new international xvYCC color standard, the new camcorders reproduce a much wider data range of colors than the conventional sRGB standard. When connected to a compatible HDTV via the camcorders’ HDMI™ outputs, home videos sparkle with vivid, natural-looking results.

The new models support the AVCHD camcorder recording format based on the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for video compression and Dolby® digital audio. In addition to high-quality video, they provide an exceptional audio experience with built-in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound recording.
A Full World of Editing and Playback Solutions
These new high-definition camcorders allow for quick data transfer from the camcorder to a compatible PC for editing, back-up and playback. Although bundled with software for simple editing, these camcorders are also compatible with the new Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition 7.0e software update, as well as Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition software for more advanced editors that will be available in July.
The models’ supplied Handycam Stations include a One Touch Disc Burn button for easy DVD creation using a PC and the bundled software. These stations now feature HD component output for instant connection to a compatible HDTV set when the camcorders are cradled.

High-definition content recorded on standard DVDs can be played back on compatible Blu-ray Disc™ devices, PLAYSTATION® 3 game consoles, and standard DVD drives on compatible PCs with the models’ bundled software. The next-generation Sony DVDirect® recorder will also be compatible with these camcorders for high-definition video transfer to standard, 5-1/4-inch DVDs. The HDR-CX7 unit’s Memory Stick PRO Duo or Memory Stick PRO HG™ media cards, featuring high data transfer rates, can also be played back directly on compatible PCs and updated PLAYSTATION®3 game consoles.

The HDR-SR5, HDR-CX7 and HDR-SR7 camcorders will ship in June for about $1,100, $1,200 and $1,400, respectively, with an array of optional accessories. All will be available online at sonystyle.com, in Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and at authorized dealers nationwide. Online pre-orders will begin on April 25 at 1:01 p.m. Eastern Time at www.sonystyle.com/handycam.

Digital Anarchy, a leading provider of cost-effective special
effects software, will showcase several products at the NAB Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada
from April 16-19, 2007. These highlights include the preview of a new cartooning filter suite and the
unveiling of a speed-driven creative plugin set.
ToonIt!: Give Footage a Cartoon Look
Finally, a cartooning effects package that delivers as expected. ToonIt! 1.0 will reliably and easily
create cartoon-like images from video footage, photographs and still images. ToonIt! uses advanced
algorithms from Toonamation to create cartoon shading and lines. Customize the ‘toon’ effect for
almost any image with styles like Flat Cartoon, Graphic Novel, Line Art, and Pen & Ink. ToonIt! frees
artists from time consuming techniques such as hand painting, rotoscoping and Action sets. Digital
Anarchy will preview two packages, one for video/motion applications like After Effects and Final Cut
Pro and a second for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.
PlasmaFX: Creative Effects at Lightning Speed
PlasmaFX 1.0 is a collection of powerful, fast effects that create a variety of custom effects ranging
from image processing to film looks and particle systems. PlasmaFX plugins are based on Apple’s
Core Image system and FxPlug architecture, and take full advantage of new, multi-core CPUs and
enhanced graphics cards. The filters run and render very quickly within Apple native applications like
Final Cut Pro and Motion, and are also supported in After Effects.
Other new Digital Anarchy products include version 3.0 of Primatte Chromakey for Photoshop. This
robust update to Primatte adds more automatic masking features, an improved interface, and new
support for OS and host applications.

From a Pinnacle Press Release:

Pinnacle Systems Introduces the Next Generation of Video Editing Software: Pinnacle Studio 11

New product family provides video enthusiasts with the latest technology within easy-to-use editing software

Tewksbury, Mass, April 24, 2007, 04/24/2007 - Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID), today announced that its Consumer division, Pinnacle Systems, Inc., is launching the next-generation Pinnacle Studio™ line of video editing software, the first choice in consumer video editing software solutions. Slated to reach store shelves in May 2007, the Pinnacle Studio 11 family is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of video enthusiasts with three products – Studio, Studio Plus and Studio Ultimate. The product family offers powerful video creation and sharing capabilities that address the latest consumer video trends, including support for new HD media types like AVCHD, the new operating system Microsoft Windows Vista™, and Web publishing for online video sharing,.“There are key trends happening from High Definition becoming truly accessible for video consumers, the proliferation of user generated content on the web and the introduction of new operating systems like Windows Vista,” said Jeff Hastings, general manager for Pinnacle Systems. “Over the past months, we have focused on bringing the best tools to our Pinnacle Studio application for our users to take full advantage of these latest trends in video creation and consumption. AVCHD editing, HD DVD disc burning and one-click publishing to the web are among the new capabilities we are introducing with Pinnacle Studio 11, while preserving the intuitive, user-friendly experience for which our Studio software has become famous.”

Pinnacle Studioâ„¢ version 11

Designed to simplify video editing for entry level users or those who want to move beyond the capabilities of free solutions, Pinnacle Studio contains several automated and time-saving features that let customers archive their video memories or create entertaining movies in a few easy steps. The new one-click Web publishing feature enables users to quickly publish their videos to Yahoo! Video for public viewing, or they can upload to the Pinnacle Systems’ StudioOnline.com website private viewing service and invite an audience to watch their videos at the same time.

Pinnacle Studioâ„¢ Plus version 11

Pinnacle Studio Plus includes all of the intuitive features of Pinnacle Studio, and adds a host of advanced editing, effects and authoring options. The extensive range of features includes a complete HD workflow, with native HDV and AVCHD editing, and HD DVD disc burning. Users can burn discs on a standard DVD burner using standard DVD discs, and depending on the format, can play them on the latest HD DVD players.

Pinnacle Studioâ„¢ Ultimate version 11

New to the Pinnacle Studio family, Pinnacle Studio Ultimate combines Pinnacle Studio™ Plus with a selection of highly-acclaimed, fully integrated professional audio and video tools. Designed for the most serious video enthusiasts who demand more control over the quality and look of their video creations, Pinnacle Studio Ultimate includes BIAS Inc.’s SoundSoap™ audio cleaning tools, dramatic lighting and ‘film look’ effects from ProDAD VitaScene, precision Panning and Zooming with StageTools™ MovingPicture, and a Chroma Key green screen backdrop for easy-to-achieve professional results.

The entire Pinnacle Studio version 11 line includes other enhancements that improve the video editing experience. For example, the scalable user interface not only lets users keep the tools at their fingertips while they get in close to their work-in-progress, but it integrates easily with today’s widescreen monitors. In addition, the Scorefitter™ music generation tool will create a soundtrack to match the exact length and mood of a video almost instantly. Scorefitter’s large sample file size (48k) equates to higher fidelity results, so home movies will sound better than ever before. And, with more than 40 source tracks and a wide range of variations, the possibilities are nearly infinite. This latest release also demonstrates improved loading and file export speeds, and is compatible with the Windows Vista operating system.

Pinnacle Studioâ„¢ version 11 family availability

The Pinnacle Studio, Pinnacle Studio Plus and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate will be priced at MRSPs of $49.99, $99.99 and $129.99 respectively and should begin reaching e-tail and retail store shelves in May, 2007. Upgrades from the Pinnacle Studio version 10 family to version 11 are also available for a fee.

About Pinnacle Systems, Inc.

So NAB 2007 is winding down, time to recap the show highlights from the Videomaker perspective. Be sure to tune into our upcoming Vidcast and our YouTube channel, for video and interviews from the show floor.

Adobe’s big news was of course the announcement of CS3 Production Premium to be shipped this summer. I’ll be heading down to Adobe HQ in two weeks to get a hands on a beta version over a few days and I’ll give you my impressions of the new workflow and software.

AJA turned heads with it’s new I/O HD, a capture device that has hardware encoding support for Apple’s new Pro Res 422 codec.

Apple announced two new products: Final Cut Studio 2, and Final Cut Server. FC Studio 2 is a major upgrade of all the final cut apps (except DVD Studio Pro), and saw the addition of the new color correcting application: Color (aptly named). Final Cut server is a media asset management solution for organization and easy workflow for approvals and collaboration between departments.

Avid was touting it’s new release of Media Composer and Avid Express Pro, both now running on Intel based Macs as well as on the PC. Also in the line up was Liquid Chrome XE an all in one production solution that allows optional hardware support from AJA.

Black Magic came to the show to promote its new Intensity Pro HDMI I/O card with analogue support, as well as a new flagship capture device the MultiBridge Eclipse, with support for 3Gb/s SDI allowing 2k resolution support.

Bogen/Manfrotto/Kata was there along with their new 503 HDV head, as well as the extremely clever 561B Monopod with tilt and pan support. Kata is showcased their new line of camera gloves for specific camcorder models.

Canon’s popular line of HDV camcorders remains unchanged this year, with some new lens choices for 1/3″ cameras.

JVC Pro’s GY series also remained unchanged, but very popular as well. New technology announcements included a clever microwave transmitting solution for the GY series that required no re-encoding. JVC also came out with some interesting DV/DVCAM to DVD decks from their pro division, which are great for making dailies and duplication.

Lowell brought their new Rifa-lite kits to show, that had adapters allowing you to use different wattage lamps and even flourescent fixtures in the same soft box.

Matrox came to NAB to showcase their new products. Most remarkable was the MXO the HD capture and monitoring solution for the Mac. They added some new calibration features to the device.

Maxell was there showing off their new technologies. Holographic Storage, the next big thing that’s going to let you say good bye to your spinning disks forever, was at the forefront. Still pricey at this time, but in the near future, prices will drop and capacities will increase. Perfect for all those hours of HD video you’ll have stored up by then.

ProDAD the European Plug-in provider, was launching its VitaScene series of Plug-ins for the US market.

Panasonic Broadcast was showing their AG-HSC 1U small format, 3 chip AVCHD camcorder. It records to a SD card, but the unit also comes with an external 40GB portable hard drive to store up all your data for long days in the field.

RED, Everyone was talking about the immanent launch of RED 1, the 4k Digital Cinema solution. The highest quality at the lowest price of all the professional cinema cameras out there. The body itself lists for $17,500, and some nice lenses and accessories could easily push that over $40K. This puts it out of most consumers price range, but fear not, RED also annouced they were working on a little brother version of the RED 1, but no specific details about it were forthcoming.

Sony’s big announcement was for the upcoming XDCAM EX format and prototype camcorder. It had three 1/2″ sensors, recorded mpeg2 streams to the new ExpressCard format. Run times were quoted as being four hours with 2 32GB cards. expected to retail for about $8,000.

Tiffen was showing off a new arm for the Stedicam Merlin, as well as software suite of plugins called DFX that replicate the look of Tiffen’s famous filter sets in post production.

Varizoom brought along their DV Media Rig shoulder mounted camera support system, allowing great balance and stability for your small format camera.

Be sure to check out the video of our NAB coverage on next weeks vidcast.

JB

New Rifa’s Push & Twist Quick Exchange Lampheads Increase Options.

Lowel, the Academy Award winning world leader in location lighting for film & video, introduces a revolutionary upgrade to their popular, 60 second setup, Rifa Softlight System.

The new Lowel Rifa eXchange System (or Rifa eX for short) is a set of 4 updated Rifa’s that replace the current models while greatly expanding their versatility. Each new model of Rifa comes with a standard lamphead that uses the same Rifa lamps as always. The twist is literally that the lampheads can quickly swap for accessory heads, with a push & a twist. The lampheads take screw-threaded daylight fluorescent lamps, single or in cluster, as well as lower wattage & lower voltage tungsten-halogen & incandescent lamps.

Now, larger models of Rifa can use lower wattage lamps for reduced output with the same beautiful Rifa softness. High CRI 5500k fluorescent lamps make lighting in daylit environments with Rifa eX a breeze, too.

For those with previous models of Lowel Rifa, looking to move up to the eXchange System, simple upgrade kits will be available soon.

For a downloadable high res 300dpi RGB jpeg of the Lowel Rifa eXchange to convert for printing, choose the Media Access link from the home page.

RED Digital Cinema, Inc. and Birger Engineering, Inc. announced today an agreement to develop and market a remotely controllable Canon EOS lens mount for the RED ONE Digital Cinema camera.

Stuart English, Workflow Wizard at Red Digital Cinema, commented, “This agreement allows RED customers to exploit the very large installed base of Canon EOS mount stills photography lenses, which provide excellent image quality at very affordable prices. The combination of high image quality plus remote focus and iris control from RED’s SuperGrip™ or other remote controllers, means the entry price point for 4K resolution digital imaging is dramatically lowered, opening up significant new applications.

Erik Widding, President of Birger Engineering, noted, “We’re delighted through this agreement to be able to support the many requests we’ve received from RED customers for an intelligent mount for Canon’s EOS series lenses. Working closely with the RED team, we have been able to move very quickly from product concept to working prototype units”

The prototype of the EOS mount for RED ONE will be displayed at the NAB Show, Las Vegas, April 16 – 19. Product pricing and delivery will be announced shortly.

AKG’S NEW C5 & D5 VOCAL MICROPHONES OFFER RELIABLE PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – April 16, 2007 – Making its broadcast market debut, the new AKG C5 and D5 vocal microphones provide excellent sound and unmatched feedback resistance for live vocalists as well as presenters. Offering both a condenser and dynamic version, the C5/D5 Series features an attractive and robust industrial design with the highest quality and durability standards.

After undertaking extensive market research and performance testing in 2006, AKG incorporated superior transducer technology with maximum isolation of handling noise to deliver pristine reproduction of vocals in every venue from small houses of worship to large concert stages.

“The goal of our market research initiative was to identify and exceed the current standards in vocal microphone performance and reliability,” explained Stefan Gubi, President, AKG Acoustics. “Through unique features and new technologies such as our Laminate Varimotion diaphragm, AKG’s new C5 and D5 microphones deliver unmatched performance, providing musicians and presenters with superb sound quality and outstanding durability.”

The C5 condenser vocal microphone and D5 dynamic vocal microphone each feature a dent-resistant spring steel wire mesh grille cap for maximum protection of the capsule and a rugged zinc alloy die-cast housing, which can withstand tough use during animated live performances. An integrated shock absorber system minimizes handling noise exceptionally well.

The C5 features a 24-carat gold-sputtered housing that protects the condenser capsule against moisture and humidity plus a removable Presence Boost adapter for increased intelligibility. The D5 dynamic includes the new Laminate VarimotionTM diaphragm technology to deliver smooth frequency response and the highest gain-before-feedback.  The D5 is also available in a switched model, the D5 S, which features an On/Off switch on the body.

All models include value-added components such as gold-plated XLR output connectors for loss-free signals, a vinyl carrying bag and stand adapter.